by Plainenglish

Created on: February 23, 2009

There are many types of chemotherapy and each individual will display a variety of side-effects. A temporary effect of chemo can be loss of appetite or loss of desire for certain foods due to the effect on your taste buds. The important thing is to take full advantage of those times when you are able to eat and to optimise the nutrition you get from your food.

The reason for this is three-fold. Firstly, your immune system will be at an all-time low, leaving you open to infection. Your body's natural defences need to be strengthened by maximising the health benefits you receive from the food you eat.
Secondly, there is plenty of research out there to support the theory that lifestyle is one of the major determining factors in the development of cancer. As such we can take control of our own destiny by adjusting our environments and boosting our immune system with antioxidant rich foods. Finally, living with a cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling helpless. Learning about your illness and the foods that feed cancer and those that help prevent it, can give you a sense of purpose and control.

There are no fad foods, just simple, toxin free, everyday healthy foods. You do not need to go searching for some berry only found in the deepest Amazonian jungle. Most of the foods which can help us are found in your local supermarkets. You just need to know which ones and eat more of them! In short you should adopt a diet which is low in saturated fats, sugar and processed foods and high in fruit, vegetables, pulses, beans, fish and soya. Dairy and meat should be organic and should only make up about thirty percent of your daily food intake. Hydrogenated fats should be eliminated and replaced with good fats such as olive oil or organic butter. Fruit and vegetables should be organic where possible or washed and peeled if not. And not to forget, green tea as much as you can drink! Ultimately, this is a healthy lifestyle from which you cannot loose. It promotes general good health, a sense of well-being and being in control and you will probably loose weight (without counting calories!).

I began this diet during my chemotherapy and continued it throughout my radiotherapy. During chemotherapy there were many times when I struggled with food, but tried at least to make good choices when I did eat. Eating little and often really helped as I could not tolerate large meals. Once the treatment is over I am sure you will find, as I did, the desire to continue as you reap the cumulative health benefits.

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